A POPULAR Killarney man, who is seriously ill as a result of contracting Lyme disease, flew to the US for specialist treatment this week but his parting shot was a pledge to beat the ailment.
Anthony Morris had been struck low by a mystery illness for eight years before he was eventually diagnosed with the seriously debilitating condition that is usually caused by a simple tick bite.
The former Spa footballer, who played at minor, under 21 and junior level for Kerry, is in constant pain and suffering from serious fatigue with his brain, nervous system, his heart and other organs now under attack from the disease.
The 41-year-old married father of an eight-year-old girl this week travelled to the Jemsek Specialty Clinic in Washington where the preferred course of treatment is a minimum of a nine-month course of IV antibiotics.
In a smartphone video message filmed at Dublin Airport before he boarded the flight, Anthony said: “I promise, being the proud Kerryman that I am, that I’ll meet this horrible disease head-on. It won’t get the better of me.”
Anthony’s message is available by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/helpanthonymorrisfightlymedisease/
But he conceded that he was experiencing severe pain in his heart and in his head and he can’t wait to get the treatment started.
Anthony thanked all those who contributed to a series of fundraising initiatives to help offset some of the costs he and his partner, Margaret, as well as their daughter Roisín, will incur in Washington.
“It has been very emotional, very touching and very overwhelming,” he said.
The basic cost for treatment at the Jemsek Clinic is $40,000 and that’s not including pharmacy prescriptions and supplies, estimated at an additional $2,000 per month.
He also thanked the public for all the Mass cards, prayers and goodwill messages that have come his way.
A fundraising table quiz for the Anthony Morris Fund, organised by Glenflesk GAA Club, will be held in the Kerry Way public house on Friday, May 20 at 8.30pm. The entry fee for teams of four is €40 and there will be finger food served on the night.
The expert quizmaster will be John ‘The Twin’ O’Donoghue.
A support account for Anthony has been opened at AIB Killarney (a/c no. 62020007).
